[GVCP] Israel Anti-Boycott Act: Will I Be Blacklisted?

August 1, 2017

Dear GVCP Member,

No matter what your thoughts are about the Israeli/Palestinian question, a bill that forbids boycotts is a terrible violation of everyone’s civil rights. The boycott is an active, nonviolent form of resistance that has been used by many different groups to support their position on an infinite number of matters. Many pro-war Americans boycotted French products because the French would not support our war against Iraq. Many of us remember the boycott against South Africa to oppose apartheid. We have a right to boycott and to call for a boycott. It’s true that Senators Gillibrand and Schumer believe that they have a mandate to support Israel. However, I’m aghast that they support this anti-boycott law. We must let them know that we oppose their position on a civil rights basis. (Also, of course, if you’re pro-BDS, you can tell them that as well.)

This letter from Kate Alexander is considerably shortened because the format didn’t forward well. However, the basic information is here.

Peace,

Arnie Matlin for GVCP


Subject: [PANYS SC/GG] ICYMI on Israel Anti-Boycott Act: Will I Be Blacklisted?

Please share with your folks. Thanks!

Kate Alexander
Director of Policy and Outreach, Peace Action New York State
UN Deputy Representative International Peace


46 Senators and 245 House Members are co-sponsoring legislation that threatens our community of advocates for peace and justice. Under H.R 1697/S. 720 the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, if you support boycotts of Israel or seek information on companies operating in Israel, you could be fined up to $1 million dollars and face 20 years in prison.

The ACLU, J Street, and Jewish Voice for Peace are all opposed.

To send a letter to your Senators and House Representative, use this link:

<http://org.salsalabs.com/o/2244/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=22163>

In peace,
Kate Alexander
Policy Director, Peace Action New York State

P.S. Co-sponsors in New York include the following Representatives in the House and Senate. If your Representative is not on this list, please call their office and thank them for not supporting this legislation. You can reach any House or Senate member via the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121.

Co-sponsor S. 720
1. Senator Schumer
2. Senator Gillibrand

Co-Sponsors: HR. 1697
1. Zeldin (NY-1)
2. Lowey (NY-17)
3. Engel (NY-16)
4. Rice (NY-4)
5. Higgins (NY-26)
6. Katko (NY-24)
7. Collins (NY-27)
8. Maloney (NY-18)
9. Suozzi (NY-3)
10. Faso (NY-19)
11. Meng (NY-6)
12. Reed (NY-23)
13. Maloney (NY-12)
14. King (NY-2)
15. Donovan (NY-11)
16. Stefanik (NY-21)
17. Jeffries (NY-8)

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